Asterisk Talley and Miles Russell Named 2026 AJGA Rolex Junior Players of the Year

Asterisk Talley and Miles Russell have earned the 2026 AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year awards following seasons highlighted by major amateur championships and international team appearances.

Talley, 17, receives the girls’ honor for the first time, while Russell, 18, claims his third boys’ award after previously winning in 2023 and 2025.

Talley Adds Player of the Year to U.S. Women’s Amateur Victory

Talley captured the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at The Honors Course in Tennessee, adding another major achievement to her junior golf career.

The California native also successfully defended her titles at the Fortinet Stanford Invitational and Hilton Grand Vacations ANNIKA Invitational. She earned her second Junior Invitational at Sage Valley championship and now has nine career AJGA victories.

Talley represented the United States in the Curtis Cup at Bel-Air Country Club and the Junior Solheim Cup in the Netherlands.

At the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club, she recorded a third round 66 and finished tied for 22nd.

A high school senior committed to Stanford, Talley will bring an extensive amateur résumé to the Cardinal program.

Russell Joins Exclusive Three-Time Winners Club

Russell becomes just the third golfer to earn at least three AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year awards, joining Phil Mickelson and Vicki Goetze.

The Florida native defended his Junior Invitational at Sage Valley title in 2026 and finished runner up at the U.S. Junior Amateur.

Russell also competed at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, finishing tied for 39th, and represented the United States at the Junior Presidents Cup and Walker Cup.

Committed to Florida State, Russell is expected to join the Seminoles in 2027.

Awards Ceremony

Both players will be recognized at the Rolex Junior All-America Awards Banquet on November 21 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa in Texas.

The 2026 ceremony also marks 40 years of partnership between the AJGA and Rolex.

Sources: Golfweek | Golf Channel